About Alisandra Photography
Hey friends! My name is Ali, and welcome to my blog!
I am a Wedding Photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. I try to keep this baby as up to date as I can with recent shoots, personal thoughts, and the random, fun little things life brings. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to visit. I really appreciate it. Please make yourself at home and enjoy your time here!
Questions or Comments? ali@alisandraphoto.com
This is one of the best times of year to get in a good family session. The trees are popping, the weather is not too hot, and no one has any sun damaged skin yet! I was able to do a really quick family session yesterday for Heather and Steve and their little girl Stella. Heather owns Grammy O’s Sticky Buns, some of the best cinnamon rolls you’ll EVER taste. Anyway, it was a joy to capture little Stella her mamma and daddy – such a fun family.
Catherine is one of the sweetest people I’ve photographed. She is a musician working for International Cooperating Ministries and uses her gifts and talents to serve the Lord – how cool is that?! Contacting me about some portraits, she told me about her most recent project. Catherine has been recording in Nashville, preparing for her upcoming EP, and I got to steal some time for a photo shoot! Some of my favorite photos are going to be used on her website and for the EP, so I can’t share those, but here is just a small taste of her session.
How beautiful is this girl?!
Well, I finally went to the doctor after a wedding season worth of foot pain. He diagnosing me with sesamoiditis, a word that basically means, “your toe hurts.” I don’t know what caused it because I actually qualify for all of the causes – high intensity repetitive workouts, wearing high heals, and boney feet. After a shot of cortisone, he sent me home with purple wrap and a bag of frozen peas. AND instructions to buy a pair of shoes that doesn’t bend. Shoes that I would usually consider UGLY.
Confession. I just bought a pair of “ugly shoes” for the sake of health.
I used to ride horses and Danskos were in style in the barn world. I’ve always wanted to buy a pair just for memory sake, but they’re not the most popular shoe in the world of fashion and style. But I am on a mission to make these things cute! And although I have a closet full of really cute shoes, I can’t wear any of them right now. My foot hasn’t healed or felt good in over 8 months, and this is just not ok for what I do. I’m on my feet for 8-12 hours on the average wedding day. And even on portrait shoots, I move around on my feet too much to justify wearing “unhealthy” shoes.
Before your roll your eyes, I was TOTALLY the girl who actually said, “I’d rather wear unsupportive shoes and have my feet hurt than wear ugly shoes and still have my feet hurt.” As a wedding photographer, no pair of shoes is going to protect you from sore feet. So, be cute with sore feet, right? My heart still agrees with this. My feet and brain [and my doctor] totally disagree. So, I’m starting a new campaign inside myself. Make Danskos Cool. We’ll see how this goes, but here is my attempt so far…
Photos shot by Annamarie Akins Photography, edited by me. Thanks for helping me get these images, friend!
Soon, I won’t be taking on any newborn or maternity clients, but before I move in that direction, I have one session to show [and two that are coming up in the next few months!]
Meet Kathryn Rubye. She was a stunner. This little girl has the brightest eyes, not to mention the sweetest parents. I arrived to their adorable old home in downtown Richmond and spent a little bit of time snapping shots of little Kate. Here is a small collection of favorites!
Nia and Keith are brother and sister. February 1st this year, they set out on a journey – the weight loss one – to which so many people can relate. They began with a simple goal:
Fit into a well tailored peacoat by December 1, 2012.
And so, this began. You can click on the image to see where they started and to read about their journey.
And so, here we are, mid December. They made it. And they look GREAT. More images will be posted on their blog, but here is a little snip-it!
Film.
A four letter word that has been buzzing around our industry for years now. My journey into the photography world began with film, like a lot of people. And when I went looking for a photography school, I wanted one with film classes. I dreamed of Brooks Institute of Photography. And although I landed at an all digital school, my love for the beautiful quality and texture of a film image, not to mention the amazing dynamic range, has not faded.
It’s not what you think. I am not going to shoot film at weddings. I’m not going to slowly make the switch. My love for simplicity and efficiency is valued over the desire to shoot film professionally. That may make me less of an “artist” and I’m ok with that. But I still love it. So…
As you may know, I’m in Hawaii right now. And guess what I brought with me. An old 35mm. A few rolls of film. [And of course my X100.] I’m excited to see what I get. Whether it’s a roll of crazy images as a result of my rolling the film incorrectly, or some beautiful images, I’m excited for something different. Something non-wedding related. Just a few of my loves. Film. Family. Coastal Scenes. Simplicity.
I know family photos can be stressful. Picking outfits, hoping the weather holds out and that the kids are in a good mood are just a few of the stressors. But, the results are so worth it. To have a memory of a family at a point in time is so special. The photos of everyone looking at the camera are necessary, and usually what people hang on the wall. But the fun photos with people being themselves and doing something. Those are my favorite. [Those are the photos hanging on MY walls.]
Meet the Constantino Family. I photographed Abby and Josh’s wedding a couple of years ago, and now they have baby Whit. Abby contacted me about taking advantage of my Fall Portrait Special. We picked a date and met a few days ago at The Mill at Fine Creek, one of my favorite wedding venues. After we about froze, we wrapped the shoot with so many great shots captured. The results are so sweet. Enjoy!
I never thought I’d be a school photographer. My memories of school photographers are cloudy. I hated sitting on that box, hoping I didn’t blink while I stare nervously into the camera lens. One shot. The same set up for each kid, unless you requested a colored gel over the lights. And the results? NEVER good. Maybe consistent, and usually not so bad, but never good.
I’ve been working with some child learning centers in Richmond to take school pictures of all of the kids. I was slightly nervous at the idea because of my experience [not to mention the reputation "school photographers" have], but these kids are really hard to take a bad photo of. Not only that, I’m doing the photos OUTSIDE with natural light. I’ve loved the experience – and although I’m still a wedding photographer, I love any opportunity to shoot something different from time to time. And these little kiddos are something special!
And I’m gonna love you like nobody loves you
I’ll earn your trust making memories of us.
~ Keith Urban
Images © 2012 Laura Gordon Photography
What a fun session this was! I have to say, I was a little nervous – 15+ people are hard to control. To get everyone to look at the camera, sit still, be quiet, and then to pose them… phew. My mind was racing as I was driving to the shoot. But this family had it together – even if they don’t feel like it. They all arrived in a cute outfit – each somehow complemented the other. Mrs. Grimes let me know that she had chosen 4 locations, so we set off to check out the lighting [which was perfect in all 4 locations!]. This session was a gift from the family to their mom, but it really was for everyone. Each Thanksgiving, Mom grabs a camera and pulls everyone together for their Christmas card photo. This year the kids took charge and relieved mom of her duty by giving her a family photo shoot! In my opinion, it’s TOTALLY worth the money!
